The UFC announced the changes Monday to its Super Bowl weekend show at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Cruz (19-1) was the UFC's first 135-pound champion, but has been out of the cage since October 2011 with a serious knee injury. He tore a muscle in his groin and elected to vacate his title, which has been held on an interim basis by Barao since July 2012.
Barao (33-1) beat Faber by unanimous decision to win the interim belt, and the Brazilian defended it twice last year.
The veteran Faber (30-6) won four fights last year to revitalize his championship hopes.